WQXR Celebrates 85th Anniversary

By Francisco Salazar

WQXR, New York’s only all-classical radio station, will mark its 85th anniversary on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. As a result, in celebration of the occasion, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has declared the date to be WQXR Day in recognition.

In a statement, Mayor de Blasio said, “On the occasion of its 85th Anniversary, I am pleased to recognize WQXR for its tremendous contributions to our city’s dynamic cultural landscape. I am proud to join in applauding its knowledgeable program hosts and producers, its generous supporters, and everyone associated with this acclaimed New York City institution for their efforts to enrich our performing arts sector, strengthen our vital creative community, and share the joys of classical music with New Yorkers of all backgrounds. Together, we are forging a brighter, more harmonious future for all.”

The radio station will celebrate the anniversary with Marin Alsop, Joshua Bell, Davóne Tines and Itzhak Perlman. The station will also present a recreation of its first playlist featuring the same performances of the same works, in the same order as they were played in 1936.

There will also be a return of the live Saturday matinee Metropolitan Opera broadcasts with the New York premiere of Matthew Aucoin’s “Eurydice.” Saturday, Dec. 4. On Sunday, Dec.  5 at 2 p.m. ET, WQXR will host an 85th Anniversary concert live from The Greene Space, honoring the station’s past, spotlighting performers who are part of today’s WQXR family which will include performances by pianist Simone Dinnerstein; The Knights, and WQXR Artist Propulsion Lab member mezzo-soprano Kara Dugan.

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